The City of Elkins is looking for a Wastewater Operator (Class I, II, or III) with the ability and eagerness to learn and grow in the Wastewater field, the successful candidate must possess a valid Class I, II, or III Wastewater Certification upon employment. A Class A or Class B CDL is also required. We are looking for a reliable individual with attention to detail who can work in various environments.

Position Status: Full-time, regular; non-exempt 

Benefits: Please see the City's Personnel Manual for information regarding benefits. (Click Here)

Job Summary:

The Wastewater Operator (Class I, II, or III), under supervision, performs skilled technical and manual work in the daily operation and maintenance of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Work involves monitoring, adjusting and recording plant operations, performing maintenance on equipment and facilities, and performing related work as required. Work also involves responding to emergencies - required to work weekends/holidays and perform 24 hour “on call” emergency service.  Reports to the Wastewater Superintendent/Chief Operator.

The mission of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is to protect the health and well-being of customers and the local environment, especially the Tygart Valley River, by treating wastewater to a high standard of cleanliness before releasing it to the river.

Job Duties:

• Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
• Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
• Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
• Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
• Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
• Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
• Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
• Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
• Monitors and performs assigned daily plant operations.
• Inspects equipment and processes to determine efficiency of operations, maintenance requirements, and cleanliness.
• Troubleshoots technical and mechanical problems; initiates corrective action as necessary, including but not limited to cleaning bar screens, checking all moving parts, making routine adjustments to belts, pumps, blowers, pumps, clarifiers, etc.
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment; calibrates meters; performs and/or assists with equipment repairs as needed.
• Monitors and records readings from meters, gauges and instruments.
• Starts up, shuts down, regulates and adjusts motors, pumps, compressors, grinders, blowers, valves and other apparatus to meet changing operating conditions.
• Regulates and adjusts chemical rates as indicated.
• Collects and prepares water/sewer samples for laboratory analysis.
• Operates sludge dewatering process; operates heavy equipment/trucks to load, transport and spread sludge on farm land.
• Receives, unloads and stocks chemicals and supplies.
• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Advises and consults with supervisors on unusual operating problems or the need for major repairs to equipment.
• Assists in ensuring plant compliance with City/department policies and procedures, health department regulations, and all other applicable laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and complete operations records.
• Performs general building and grounds maintenance work as required.
• Serves on call 24 hours per day to ensure uninterrupted service for customers.
• Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as flow charts, daily logs, maintenance records, work orders, etc.
• Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as lists and logs, equipment reading reports, various routine reports and records.
• Refers to operations manual, safety manual, policy and procedure manuals, codes/laws/regulations, etc.
• Operates a vehicle, dump truck, trailer, tractor, bucket truck, articulating front loader, manure spreader, belt presses, welding equipment, cutting torches, pumps, mowers, high pressure water hoses; uses a variety of office equipment such as a computer, copier, telephone, fax machine; uses tools such as sampling tools, hand and power tools, sludge judge, grease gun; uses general office supplies, chemicals, and word and data processing software.
• Interacts and communicates with supervisor, co-workers, other City staff, property owners and the general public.
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.

Other Duties: 

• Assists other departments with equipment operations as requested.
• Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing records and reports, completing forms, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Training and Experience:  Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent and some experience in the wastewater industry; college or vocational school coursework in industrial technology, mechanical or civil engineering technology or related field is desirable; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess a Class I, II, or III WV Wastewater Certification. 

License, Certificates, or Registration Requirements: Must possess a valid driver’s license.  Must possess a valid WV Class I, II, or III Wastewater Certification upon hire.  Must possess a valid Class A or Class B CDL License upon hire. May be required to possess or obtain additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by the City.

Physical Requirements: Applicant must be physically capable of performing strenuous manual labor, work in adverse weather conditions, lift 55# – 80# bags, bend, stoop, squat, climb ladders and stairs, and capable of working in confined spaces.

Elkins, West Virginia is a dynamic and growing community of 7,000 people, serving as a tourism hub of the mid-Atlantic and a gateway to a vast outdoor recreation area that includes national forests, state parks, wilderness areas, ski resorts, hiking and biking trails, scenic train excursions and much more.

The City of Elkins is an equal opportunity employer including disability and protected veteran status.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.